Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the now-defunct music group P-Square, has been remanded in prison following new fraud charges totaling $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okoye on Monday, presenting a four-count charge that accused him of misappropriating music proceeds from three companies for personal use, thereby depriving his brother, Peter “Mr. P” Okoye, of his rightful earnings.
Appearing before Justice Ramon Oshodi at the Ikeja High Court on Tuesday, Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. His lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor, requested bail, citing an ongoing related case in Ikoyi, where Okoye had previously been granted bail.
However, the EFCC prosecutor, MK Bashiru, opposed the bail application, stating he had yet to file a response. Justice Oshodi ruled that bail could not be granted hastily without reviewing the necessary documents. The prosecution was ordered to submit its response before the next hearing on March 6, while the trial was scheduled for May 16 and 23.
This development comes just a day after Okoye was granted N100 million bail over separate fraud allegations involving the laundering of N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
